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So you've decided to get a new dog! It's an exciting step for you and your pet family. But before bringing home your doggie bundle of joy, consider which type of dog is best for you. Choosing a pet for life is green, after all. The right match means less chance that your dog will return to the shelter or develop un-green behavioral problems.
Consider these factors when choosing a dog:
Size of Dog
Are you green in the city? Or do you go green in the rural scene? If you have a small apartment you might be looking for a pint-sized put. But big dogs are perfect when you have lots of room to roam!
Activity Level
Some dogs require much more attention that others activity-wise. Though you may fantasize about hiking and camping with your dog all the time, be realistic about you will actually do. If you are super active, a high-energy dog will be the perfect match. But, if you are looking for a dog who will make a great work-from-home-office buddy, or one to keep you company while you make your eco-friendly crafts, you might need a dog who is a bit more relaxed.
Kid Friendly
Finding a good dog for your green family is important. And may be a factor even if you don't have kids of your own. Consider how the dog might interact with visiting family members or even kids at the park. However, if you don't tend to be around children much, a dog that is a bit nervous around kids be an okay match for you.
Breed Tendency
You can find purebreds through breed rescue organizations and even at a shelter. While each dog is unique, their breed can often come into play. (I have never met a border collie that didn't want to herd me!) Check out Petfinder's dog breed guide.
Personality
No matter what breed or mix you end up with, each dog has his or her own personality. Just like people, a dog's personality comes from a mix of genetics and environment. If you have a particular dog in mind, pay attention to his/her unique personality, not just those cute puppy dog eyes!
Age of Dog
Speaking of puppy dog eyes, of course a new puppy can be exciting, but they can also be a lot of work! Older dogs tend to calmer and often need less training. So consider both options before falling for those cute puppy dog eyes. Since puppies at the shelter tend to find homes faster, adopting a senior dog will make you his or her biggest hero.
This list may seem long, but don't fret. Doing doggie research can be fun! It will all be worth it when you find your perfect match.
More on Green Pet Care
Choose to Adopt Your New Best Friend
Can Your Dog Go Vegetarian?
How to Go Green: Pets
Pup Got Anxiety? Calm Their Nerves Naturally
How to Install a Solar-Powered Fan in a Dog House
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